County rescue crews were back on scene Friday scouring a two-mile area off Kealakekua Bay and two miles on either side of where Madoff was last seen.

But weather conditions, specifically 5-to-8-feet-high surf, made the operation challenging for crews trying to get close to the shoreline.

"It definitely affects us, the turbulance of the water, low visibility and rip currents. That kind of thing," said Hawaii County Fire Battalion Chief Ruben Chun.

Kevin Ichimasa took snapshots of the freak wave that swept over a 15-foot-tall wall and by some accounts went 30 feet inland where the teens were resting in tide pools after a hike.

As each day passes, the chances of finding Tyler Madoff alive is slimmer.

But across the ocean on the other of the continent, the teen was definitely on the mind of his rowing coach.

"I was impressed right off the bat at his really great work ethic. He was always pleasant. He was a very, very popular kid," said Guy Monseair.

Madoff won a silver medal at the state championships for the team and on Friday his teammates gathered in White Plains, N.Y. to pray for his return.

"Our motto is the strength of the wolf, is with the pack, so that is poignant right now. They just want to be able to be with each other. There's a certain amount of frustration. They want to be part of the search party to find him," Monseair said.

"No one wants to close the book as it were. So at this stage we are having this meeting just to put our hope in the universe," said Monseair.

Madoff was just in the first week of what is billed as a three week, ultimate Hawaii adventure booked through a company called Bold Earth Teen Adventures.

The Colorado company subcontracts with local tour groups.

The teens were given the option of continuing with the trip, or returning home. The company said most are remaining in Hawaii.

Meanwhile, state land director William Aila said his department is investigating the incident.

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